The Glorious Twelfth: Where To Buy Game In London

Game in Borough Market
12 August, otherwise known as The Glorious Twelfth, not only heralds the start of the shooting season, but also the traditional rush of London restaurants to get birds on plates as soon as possible. Normally, birds shot in the morning can be on diners’ forks the same evening, although many would argue that they taste better if they are hung for a few days first.

Despite being a well-established practice, circumstances can still prevent the grouse from completing the journey from moor to Maitre D' in good time: yesterday, for example, Rules was thwarted from satisfying customers’ appetites by congestion on the M1. To ensure you don’t miss out on enjoying the delicious game bird, we’ve listed a selection of vendors below, so you can prepare roast grouse at home whenever it takes your fancy!

Allens, Mayfair

Often cited as London’s best butcher, this meaty paradise not only stocks a delectable variety of game when it’s in season, but also runs game butchery courses so you can make the most of your purchases.

Borough Market

You can pick up most of the accompaniments as well as the grouse at Borough Market, which is surely worth braving the tourist crowds for. Head to Furness Fish and Game for your birds, and check out the Borough Market blog for a tasty recipe.

Macken Bros, Chiswick (& Selfridges)

Tunrham Green’s Macken Bros are known for stocking grouse when it’s in season, but ring ahead to check availability first.

Husseys, Wapping Lane

This family concern has been going for more than 40 years and is much loved in the local community. Husseys stocks grouse when in season, as well as a large selection of other game meats.

O'Shea's, Bermondsey

O'Shea's supplies consistently high quality meat and sources its grouse from Perthshire.

If you’re more of an armchair game shopper, however, check the butchers’ websites as many of them deliver. You can also try London Fine Meats, which is based in London but only deals with online orders.